The Summer King Bundle 3 Stories - Jennifer L. Armentrout Page 0,118

as I gripped the rim of the tub.

My thoughts were effectively scattered. There was nothing of any value floating around in my head anymore as I was yanked from the tub and then roughly dried off.

The gown was lifted over my head, the fabric settling around me. I caught the two sides of the chest as it began to gape. There were laces along the back, left undone. The material of the dress felt indulgent, and it pooled like liquid around my feet. Even in the poorly lit chamber, I could tell that the fabric played peekaboo with what was hidden beneath, and I imagined that in brighter light or in the sun, there would be little left to the imagination.

Siobhan had worn this to her wedding? In front of people?

“The gown complements you, my pet.” Aric jerked his chin toward the female. “That is all.”

My heart seized as the fae gathered up her tote and scurried from the chamber, closing the door behind her. I knew what normally came next.

Holding the front of the dress closed, I stepped back.

Aric’s gaze roamed over me as he approached. “With your hair, you could almost be mistaken for her.” He walked behind me, lifting the chain. “Hold this.”

Swallowing down a wave of trepidation, I shifted the front of the gown to one hand and took hold of the chain with the other. Aric in front or behind me was equally bad.

“She was beautiful.” His fingers brushed over my back as he picked up the laces, causing the sensation of a thousand spiders crawling over my skin to surface. “Stunning in her silver gown…and out of it.” There was a pause as he began tying the back. “Siobhan was always beautiful, even when she cried. Loosen your grip on the front.”

I forced my hold to ease. The material slid across my chest, forming a deep vee that went all the way down the front of my stomach, ending in a point just above my navel.

“She saw no one but Caden, even when he dallied with anything that breathed,” Aric went on. “He did not deserve her.”

I turned my head to the side, ignoring how my face throbbed. The way he talked about her…” Understanding filled me. “You…you loved her.”

The waist of the dress tightened on my bruised ribs, causing me to gasp. He chuckled. “Love? Did I love her?” He scoffed. “If my Queen were to ever hear that, she’d gut me.”

Oh, if only I could get so lucky. “Did you?”

Aric was quiet as he tied up the remaining laces. Once secured, I was surprised to discover that the dress truly fit. Definitely would not have before my forced dieting. The soft material didn’t chafe the countless cuts, which I supposed was better than the coarse shift.

Aric’s hands settled on my hips, and he turned me so I faced him. “I was obsessed with her,” he answered, staring down at me. “I feel as if there is very little difference between love and obsession.”

I thought there was a whole world of difference.

“I wanted her. So, I took her.” His hand skimmed up my sides. “Just like I took you.”

A wave of revulsion choked me. “I’m not her.”

“You aren’t.” His fingers drifted up and over my arms to settle on either side of my neck. “And you are.”

“I’m—”

“You are his mortuus, and he will come for you,” Aric said, pressing his thumbs under my jaw. He lowered his head. “He will do anything to save you.”

Panic exploded like buckshot. He was going to feed. “He’s not coming for me.” No one was. At this point, that was beyond evident. “Whatever you think, you’re wrong—”

“I’m never wrong.”

I tore at his grip, but it was no use. His mouth came down on mine. Shock splashed through me. His lips had never touched mine before, at least not that I remembered, but this—this time was different. This wasn’t normal. It was a kiss—a rough, brutal one that was like a kick to the teeth. I tried to twist away, but then his head tilted, his mouth opened, and his chest swelled in an inhale.

My world exploded in fire.

* * * *

I didn’t…feel right.

Sitting on the stone slab with my arms curled around my stomach, I shivered as I stared at the floor. I’d come to a little while ago, having no idea how much time had passed, only knowing that it felt like it took longer for me to remember…

Remember who I was and how I was